Cisco

The stipulations for getting a donkey (in answer to Leo’s constant pleas) were: the barn had to be finished (which it is for the time being), there had to be water in the pond (it’s full) and the pasture had to be fenced off. So, can we get a donkey now, asks Leo?

[flickr_set id=”72157636181247885″] As luck would have it, a friend of ours has borrowed a donkey for the winter and asked if we could house it on our property, as the land where he will be working him is right next door. Perfect arrangement, and a great way for us to get our feet wet in the donkey department.

He’s old and gentle, super smart, is happy to have the kids bug him constantly (especially as he has quickly figured out that they bring him apples).

For now, we have walked him with us and the other animals, and the kids have ridden him a little bare-back. Later on today, we’ll be getting out the saddle.

So what does a donkey add to the Food Web? He can work a plow and so will help make swales. Donkeys are great watch dogs and will let us (and the dogs) know if a predator comes anywhere near. Plus he lives off the land without any extra input from us, and is a joy to the kids.